CPCS: CPD opportunities

CPCS: CPD opportunities

November 12, 2019

As announced in the 5-year CPCF agreement, NHS England & NHS Improvement and Health Education England (HEE) will use funding from the Pharmacy Integration Fund to commission continuing professional development sessions for pharmacists related to the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS).

This training will build on the CPD already delivered in some of the DMIRS pilot areas. It will aim to enhance the efficiency of pharmacists to undertake effective consultations, communications and clinical assessments. With a particular focus on identifying red flags, referring appropriately to the wider NHS network, if needed and effective patient follow-up, the CPD will ensure patient care continues to be as safe as possible.

A limited number of training places are available from the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) in 2019/20, but the main roll out of the training will be in 2020/21. HEE is currently commissioning this training and further information on availability of local sessions in 2020 will be released in due course.

If you want to brush up on your knowledge on the management of minor illness ahead of the CPD sessions in 2020, CPPE has a range of training resources related to the CPCS, including a self-assessment framework which helps you to identify gaps in your knowledge. It is recommended that pharmacists use this framework to plan their learning ahead of providing the service.

The F-Code or ODS code is the the unique code issued to your pharmacy which identifies you to NHS Prescription Services. You can find this on any pricing authority statement or your prescription submission document (FP34c).